Recognizing Delays In A Child's Gross Motor Development

Oct 20, 2017

Gross motor development involves the muscle groups required for larger-whole
body. It is the development of these muscles that enable a child to hold
their head up, roll, sit, crawl, and eventually walk, run, and skip. Below
are the most basic and typical developmental milestones for gross motor
skills that should be accomplished by the age stated.

Red flags are listed and if present, indicate a child is having challenges
that require the evaluation and possible support of a pediatric physical
therapist and/or other specialist(s).

Gross Motor DEVELOPMENTAL Milestones

General milestones for gross motor development for children ages 0 to 3 years

By Age 1

Sits independently on floor and plays with toys (by 6 months, should be
able to sit without help)

Gets to floor from sitting and to sitting from floor without help

Crawls on hands and knees

Pulls self up to stand using furniture

Walks side to side using furniture for support

Can turn head to both sides without head tilting

Red flags: Unable to roll on floor; needs support to sit on the floor;
prefers to turn head to only one side; has flattened area of head; up
on toes with independent walking

By Age 2

Walks without assistance

Attempts running

Can pick things up off floor without falling and returns to standing

Can go up and down stairs while holding your hand or the rail/wall, putting
both feet on each step

The earlier a child’s gross motor problems are identified and treated,
the less likely the problem will persist or get worse. If you think your
child may have a delay in his/her gross motor skills, contact your physician
for more information regarding pediatric physical therapy services.

PVHMC’s Milestones Center for Child Development is dedicated exclusively
to the developmental needs of children. Our focus is to help our patients
succeed in reaching the developmental milestones that will allow them
to enjoy more independence as they continue to grow. Our pediatric physical
therapists evaluate and treat children having difficulties with gross
motor development and many other developmental delays and conditions.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Milestones
at 909.621.7956.

Milestones Center for Child Development is located in Claremont, CA at
the Pomona Valley Health Center. We will soon be opening our second location
at the Pomona Valley Health Center in Chino Hills, CA.